The EarthCheck Certification is an international recognition that accredits an organization’s or tourist destination’s commitment to social and environmental sustainability in all its operations. Having a sustainable tourism certificate brings many benefits to both the company and its users.
Being an EarthCheck partner is a way to globally collaborate in the management and development of sustainable solutions for the tourism industry, staying true to a culture of shared construction and international cooperation in the face of the challenges posed by the current climate crisis. Below, we will discuss in more detail about this certification and what it means to be its official partner in Europe and Central America.
What is an EarthCheck Certification?
An EarthCheck certification is, in short, a certificate that guarantees an organization’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental protection. In case you didn’t know, EarthCheck is the world’s leading group in research, evaluation, and certification for sustainable destinations and tourism organizations.
Since its founding in 1987 in Australia, it has certified over 1500 organizations in 70 countries worldwide, across various sectors of the tourism industry. Additionally, in 2017, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) granted EarthCheck the status of recognized standards and accredited organization according to certification criteria.
To obtain an EarthCheck certification, one must undergo a rigorous process of evaluation and external audits that ensure compliance with all current requirements.
First, a firm commitment to the change process is needed from all teams within the organization. Then, an evaluation is conducted that measures a series of indicators to create an “initial snapshot” that will serve as a basis for comparison.
Depending on the results obtained, a new management system based on sustainability is designed, implemented, and periodically evaluated for effectiveness.
Finally, an independent company conducts an audit to verify the company’s compliance with all EarthCheck requirements. If the result is positive, the certification is granted, and the company can use the EarthCheck Certified logo alongside its brand image.
What does It mean to be EarthCheck partners in Europe?
Being an EarthCheck partner in Europe carries great responsibility, but at the same time, it brings multiple benefits to our collaborators. As specialists in sustainable tourism consulting, at Pax Advising, we focus on generating alternatives and strengthening the innovation and growth of our associates.
As one of the certification’s ambassadors, we have international recognition, and all our collaborators can access various benefits such as:
- Improving competitiveness and profitability by reducing operational costs and optimizing the use of natural resources.
- Increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty by offering a high-quality tourism experience that is responsible towards the environment and local communities.
- Strengthening the image and reputation of the company or destination by demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.
- Accessing new markets and business opportunities by meeting international sustainability standards and differentiating from competitors.
- Contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and the well-being of host populations by minimizing the negative impacts of tourism.
Companies with EarthCheck certification gain a strategic advantage over their competitors. Additionally, they become leaders in the responsible tourism sector and contribute to the conservation of the natural and cultural resources of the destinations they visit.
Boost your business with an EarthCheck Certification
The EarthCheck Certification is a valuable tool for companies and tourist destinations that want to improve their environmental and social performance. This certification allows them to measure, monitor, and reduce their impact on the environment by meeting global sustainable tourism criteria.
As EarthCheck partners, at Pax Advising we encourage our collaborators to achieve this certification. Contact us, and we will inform you about the consulting services focused on the sustainability of tourist destinations that we offer.